Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Nov 30/01) - Nine members of the new Backroom Players group put on a play at Ingamo Hall during National Addictions Awareness Week.

Among them was Erin Holman, who was making her theatrical debut with Who Really Wins, a play about bingo addictions. Holman said she was nervous but found it fun.

About 30 people took in the event, held Nov. 22. Taz Johnson, cultural officer at Ingamo Hall, said the Backroom Players are a partnership between the hall and Samuel Hearne Secondary school.

"Things went really well. The kids were really quite nervous," Johnson said.

"The question and answer period was really good. The audience participated in asking them questions about whether they thought bingo was a good thing or not," she said.

"One question was do you think people in Inuvik play too much bingo, and all the kids in unison said yes," Johnson said.

"For the kids it was a real good learning experience. I think these kids have learned a lot in terms of addictions, not just bingo."

More programs

Johnson, as well as youth wellness project officer Susan Ross, explained Ingamo Hall offers plenty of activities aimed for young people.

On Mondays after school, tutoring is available, with karoake or games in the evening.

On Tuesdays Ingamo youth group members are encouraged to volunteer for activities there, and do fundraising. Ross explained that since October the young people have been baking to raise funds.

"It's usually sandwiches or pizzas or something basic," Ross explained.

On Wednesday evenings the youth can meet at Ingamo or have a sports night at Aurora College gym.

Cooking classes take place Thursday evenings, with young people preparing for Ingamo's craft and bake sale on Dec. 15.

Craft nights are being switched to Fridays.

Ingamo just started holding square dancing sessions on Saturday afternoons, with four youth registering the first day.

"That's something that they requested," Ross said.

"We're always open to suggestions or changes they would like to see. We can't make programming happen if we don't get the youth input."

As well, weekday mornings, starting at 8 a.m., Ingamo Hall offers a breakfast program for students, plus a bus ride to Sir Alexander Mackenzie school. Ross said some mornings nearly 30 students eat there.